“I have an idea,” he said wryly. “You love those animals more than you love people.”
She nodded solemnly, not in the least bit abashed to admit it. Then she kissed him full on the mouth.
It was like baiting a hungry lion. He didn’t wait for her to pull back in regret. Didn’t offer her the chance to change her mind. He’d suffered three long weeks wanting her with every breath and knowing she was emotionally out of reach.
If this was his chance to have her back in his bed without a wealth of space between them, he was going to grab the opportunity with both hands.
He kissed her back, his hands going to her face, holding her there as he fed hungrily on her lips. Tentatively her arms circled his neck and she leaned into him with a soft, sweet sigh that tightened every one of his muscles and made him instantly hard.
He had to force himself to exercise some restraint because what he really wanted to do was tear her clothes off, haul her up the bed and make love to her until neither of them could walk.
“You have far too many clothes on,” he said, near desperation as he fumbled with the buttons on her blouse. It was expensive. Probably silk. But ah, hell, he’d buy her another one.
The sound of the material rending and the buttons popping and scattering on the floor only spurred his excitement. He fumbled clumsily with the button on her pants and then began pulling to get them off her. She lifted her bottom just enough that he could slide the material down her legs and then there she was, sitting so dainty and beautiful, clad only in her pale, pink lingerie.
She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. Hair tousled just enough to make her look sexy. Her lips swollen from his kiss. Eyes glazed with passion instead of deep sadness. And her skin. So soft, glowing in the lamplight. Curvy in all the right places. Generous breasts, straining at the lace cups, and hips and behind just the right size for his hands to grip.
He stood only long enough to strip out of his clothes. It wasn’t practiced or smooth. He felt like a fifteen-year-old getting his first glimpse of a naked woman. If he wasn’t careful, he’d be acting just like one, too.
She stared shyly up at him and he nearly groaned. “Baby, you have to stop looking at me like that. I’m holding on to my control by my fingertips and you’re not helping.”
She smiled then, an adorable, sweet smile that took his breath away. He forgot all about trying to maintain an air of civility. His inner caveman came barreling out, grunting and pounding his chest and muttering unintelligible words.
He swept her into his arms, hauling her back on the bed. They landed with a soft bounce and he claimed her mouth, wanting to taste her again and again.
“Love the lingerie,” he said hoarsely. “I’ll love it more when it’s off, though.”
She wiggled beneath him and he realized she was trying to work out of her straps.
“Oh, no, let me,” he breathed.
He pushed himself off her and then maneuvered himself upward so he straddled her body, his knees digging into the mattress on either side of her hips.
Her gaze slid downward to his groin and her eyes darkened. Tentatively she moved her hands slowly toward his straining erection. Color dusted her cheeks and she glanced hastily upward, almost as if she was seeking his permission to touch him.
Hell, he’d give her anything in the world if she’d touch him. He’d buy her twenty damn shelters if that would make her happy. Right now, it would make him delirious if she just wrapped those soft little fingers…
He closed his eyes and groaned as she did exactly what he’d fantasized about. Her touch was gentle. Light and tentative. Like the tips of butterfly wings dancing over his length.
She grew bolder, stroking more firmly, running the length of him with her palm until he was little more than a babbling, incoherent fool. He was supposed to be in control here. She was the innocent. He was the one with more experience. But she literally and figuratively held him in the palm of her hand.
If he didn’t put an end to her inquisitive exploration, he’d find release on her belly and he wanted to be inside her more than he wanted to breathe.
Leaning down, her kissed the shallow indention between her breasts and then nuzzled the swell as he reached up to slide the straps over her shoulders.
He loved the way she smelled. It was one thing he missed about the apartment now. Before she had little bowls of potpourri and little scented candles haphazardly arranged throughout. The entire apartment had smelled like…her. Fresh. Vibrant. Like spring sunshine.
Now that she’d gone through in a mad cleaning rush, it was as if her very presence had been expunged.
The cup of her bra slipped over her nipple, exposing the puckered point to his seeking lips. He sucked lightly, enjoying the sensation of her on his tongue. Underneath him, she quivered and her breathing sped up in reaction.
He slipped one hand beneath her back, reaching for the clasp of her bra. Seconds later, it came free and he pulled carefully until it came completely away. Tossing it aside, he eyed the feast before him.
She had beautiful breasts. Just the perfect size. Small and dainty, much like her, but there was just enough plumpness to make a man’s mouth water. Her nipples were a succulent pink that just beckoned him to taste. He knew enough about her now to know her breasts were highly sensitive. And her neck. Up high, just below her ear. It was guaranteed to drive her crazy if he nibbled either spot.
Tonight he wanted to taste all of her, though. He wanted her imprinted on his tongue, his senses. He wanted to be able to fall asleep smelling her, the feel of her skin on his.
Palming both breasts, he caressed, rubbed his thumbs across the tips before lowering his head to suck at one and then the other. He nipped lightly, causing the peak to harden even further. Then he slid his mouth down her middle to the softness of her belly, where he licked a damp circle around her navel.
